Five questions for David Steele

David Steele: Nicknamed “Hook,” this longtime barkeep at the Wishing Well Restaurant is up for this year’s Most Valuable Saratoga Bartender.

1 How did you get your nickname?

I’ve had that nickname since seventh grade in Mechanicville. It stuck for no reason, and I still have it. I once asked the boy who gave it to me what it meant, but he didn’t remember.

2 How long have you been bartending?

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I’m 65, and I’ve tended bar for 40 years, the past 13 at the Wishing Well. I began at a blue-collar bar in Mechanicville, and learned by experience and repetition. I also worked as a food broker for 10 years; that was my day job. I was Mr. Mom for seven years — I have two sons, now in their 30s. I once wanted to be an art teacher, but life took me another way. I feel like I got my degree in life experience. I’m getting back into art as a hobby now.

3 What do you enjoy most about your job?

Well, mixing the drinks becomes automatic after awhile. What I most enjoy is finding a common thread among my customers. I want to break the ice and facilitate conversation at the bar. It’s a rewarding career on many levels. The people you meet are always interesting, whether locals, visitors or celebrities.

4 Is bartending like being a therapist?

I wear a lot of different hats here. I’m a salesman, a conversationalist, a counselor, a referee and a trivia buff. I have to tactfully defuse challenging situations; know when to slow folks down when things get out of hand. You never want to insult a customer. You need to keep a kind ear. And you can have an opinion, but not always express that opinion.